10 Albertans among finalists for Canadian Cattle Young Leaders Program

The Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) Program, an initiative by the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), has announced the 16 finalists for its 2024-2025 program year.

The finalists were selected during the annual CYL Selections Competition, held on August 20, 2024, at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Saskatoon, Sask. Semi-finalists from across Canada, involved in various roles within the beef supply chain, competed for a spot in the mentorship program.

During the competition, semi-finalists participated in discussions at six roundtables, facilitated and judged by representatives from the program’s sponsors and industry. They showcased their skills through engaging discussions on current beef industry topics such as environmental sustainability, succession planning, leadership, and support for new entrants and young producers.

Each finalist will receive a $3,000 budget for travel and learning opportunities within the beef industry and will be paired with an industry leader for a nine-month mentorship. This budget has been increased by $1,000 thanks to additional funding from Cargill, a Platinum Partner. The CYL Program extends its gratitude to Cargill for its generous support, which has enabled these and other program enhancements.

Nathan Phinney, CCA President, congratulated the finalists, emphasizing their dedication to the industry and contributions during the roundtable discussions are commendable.

“This high caliber of semi-finalists this year bodes well for the future of our industry,” says Phinney.

The 2024 finalists are:

• British Columbia: William Gamache of Lumby
• Alberta: Ashley Perepelkin of Condor, Beatriz Montenegro of Picture Butte, Brianna Elliot of Sundre, Brittany Sigfussion of Strathmore, Emily Jamieson of Duchess, Erik Nottveit of Calgary, Janelle Graham of Olds, Jayse Wilson of Strathmore, Laura Buss of Millarville, Taylor Iwasiuk of High Prairie
• Saskatchewan: Arlis Hanson of Vale Marie, Joshua Sanden of Craik, and Levi Hurlburt of Moose Jaw
• Manitoba: Alice Rooke of Alexander
• Ontario: Chelsea Allan of Cumberland

The conference also celebrated the graduation of the 2023-2024 CYLs, marking a significant milestone with over 200 alumni since the program began in 2010.